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Appeared on: Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Logitech G1 Optical Mouse

1. Introduction

Logitech is one of the better known brand names in computer peripherals, representing high quality products. For quite some time, I had been using a Microsoft Basic Optical mouse on my desktop, and while it worked ok, it didn't feel as responsive as I would have liked. So, I decided it was time to buy a new mouse, preferably from Logitech. After checking out the entire range of models and corresponding prices, I came to the conclusion that the G1 optical mouse was probably the mouse I was looking for. Low to medium price, no extra fancy buttons and fast, with an internal 800dpi engine. Were my expectations fulfilled? You'll find out by reading this review.

- Logitech G1 Optical Mouse

According to Logitech, the G1 Optical Mouse is "...Based on the technology that powered the best-selling Logitech MX 510 Performance Optical Mouse, the Logitech G1 Optical Mouse is ideal for gamers and PC power users alike. This lightweight, ambidextrous mouse captures 5.8 megapixels of surface detail per second on a 12-bit data path (typical mice use 8-bit data paths) to deliver lag-free performance and up to 15 Gs of instant acceleration. The G1 Optical Mouse is plug-and- play, working immediately when plugged into the USB port on a desktop or notebook PC..."

The main features of Logitech G1 optical mouse are listed below:

Make pixel-precise moves
High resolution 800 dpi MX optical engine processes an astonishing 5.8 megapixels per second for best-in-class performance and tracking.

At a mere 80g, the G1 moves effortlessly, even after your longest gaming sessions.

Rugged design

Built for the rigors of hardcore gaming, the G1 can glide up to 250 km and can endure through 3 million button clicks.

Durable Teflon® super-slick gaming feet

Super-smooth glide for precision tracking and targeting.

This review wouldn't be complete if we didn't provide the Technical specifications and package contents:

System Requirements

IBM® or compatible PC

• Windows® 98, 2000, Me, XP

• USB port or PS/2 port

Macintosh PC

• Mac OS® 10.1.2 or greater

• USB port

Technical Specifications

• Tracking Resolution: 800 dpi

• Image Processing: 5.8 megapixels/second

• Max. Acceleration: 15 G

• Max. Speed: 40 inches/second (depending on surface)

• USB Data Format: 12 bits/axis

• USB Report Rate: 125 reports/second

• Sleep Mode: Disabled

• Weight without cord: 80 grams

Gaming Specifications *

• Dynamic Coefficient of Friction —μ (k): 0.13

• Static Coefficient of Friction —μ (s): 0.23

• Buttons: rated to 3 million clicks

• Feet: rated to 250 kilometers

* Measured on a wood-veneer surface

Package Contents

• Logitech® G1 Optical Mouse

• Installation guide

• USB-to-PS/2 adapter

• Three-year warranty

2. A Closer Look

I bought my Logitech G1 optical mouse at the price of €29.00. Remember, this is not an entry level optical mouse, and there are other cheaper solutions, but since I had been satisfied with other, previous Logitech Optical mouse, I decided to give it a try.

The contents in the box include the mouse, a USB-PS2 converter and a printed manual:

Comparing the G1 with a previous Logitech mouse, I found many similarities, except the forth (back) button:

Underneath, there are the usual array of Certification logos, power rating, along with the Serial Number.

3. Installation

Installation is easy enough. Simply unplug your "old" mouse, and plug in the new one! I used the PS2 interface, since I didn't want to waste a USB port.

In any case, the G1 will work perfectly with either the USB or PS2 connection interface. Logitech, unfortunately, doesn't offer in the package (probably to keep retail package costs down?) any drivers. While the drivers are not mandatory in order for the G1 mouse to work, they do offer some additional capabilities, and you can set a special function for each button. After visiting the Logitech website, I noticed that the latest Logitech Setpoint driver package was available, v2.60.590, a massive 47MB download.

After installing and rebooting, the logitech Setpoint software is available so that you can configure all functions of your mouse.

Below, is a screenshot of the button setup.

Next, are the settings for the mouse pointer, including speed, acceleration and trails.

You can even set it for in-game performance.

- Performance

Finally, I came to the most interesting part. How does the G1 mouse feel? What was its performance like? While this is a matter of personal taste, and there's no "scientific" methodology to be followed when trying out the feel of the device in the palm of your hand, I was very satisfied with it although I would have liked it a little fuller in the hand. Then again, this could be a matter of getting used to it with time.

The response was far better than I had been used to, much better than my previous Microsoft Basic Optical mouse. There are also many settings within Setpoint, that allow you to adjust the device according to your needs.

An obvious use of the fourth button is with Internet Explorer, where it can set to navigate either back or forward. Of course, you can set it up for any other function you want, using Setpoint. In games, it could be useful, for throwing grenades, for example.

We tried a few FPS (first person shooter) games and we found the response very good. Logitech has other mice of course, especially designed for gamers, with greater resolution, more buttons, but at double the price :-)

4. Conclusion

My main reason for buying the Logitech G1 mouse was the fact that it had an attractive price, combined with the enhanced resolution engine (800dpi). The retail price of €29 can be considered as low entry, when high end solutions cost around €60.

In the short time that I have been using the Logitech G1, I found that it has very good response, especially compared to the previous Microsoft Basic Optical mouse that I was using. In fact, the reason I opted to try a different mouse was in an attempt to find one with sharper response and in that sense, I can say that it was a successful buy.

Lastly, the G1 mouse is covered by a 3 year warranty, whereas other Logitech mice are covered by 5. We don't know why this mouse has a smaller warranty period. Hopefully, nothing will happen to it during those 3 years. More likely though, I will have been enticed into purchasing a newer, better mouse by then:-)